The number one spendthrift woman in the capital actually brings glory to her entire family?

Thinking of this, Sikong Jin couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She was still destined to drift with the tide, burdened by the imperial court, her family, and possibly the Zhongzhou Society. Without a strong economic backing, it was absolutely impossible for her to soar to the top. After much thought, she decided that she needed to bide her time, keep a low profile, and focus on developing the economy first. According to her planned development, she was absolutely confident that in three to five years, she would have an unshakeable position in the Great Yong Dynasty and even in Fengyun. At that time, no one could stop her.

She couldn't guarantee her other skills, but she was absolutely confident in her methods of raising money. Back in the world's number one gambling city, she could easily raise hundreds of millions of dollars overnight with nothing in her pocket—that was her strength.

It seems she needs to make a trip to Hongding Bank and Fengyunfei Money Shop; those 100,000 taels of gold should finally come in handy.

"We want a 10% cut!"

It was Tang Jingyao's calm voice.

"Don't even think about it! You haven't paid a single cent and you want to take 20% of the profits? Do you really think this is a windfall? One percent, take it or leave it."

Sikong Jin's tone was firm and left no room for negotiation.

"Five percent, that's the lowest I can go. The judicial system isn't exactly a pleasant job either."

"Three percent, that's the most I can go. I'm just one of the investors. If you don't want to do it, that's fine too."

"Deal! When it's time to distribute the year-end bonuses, you have to return all the money you owe us, or I'll personally invite you to the Judicial Gate for tea."

"Your humble servant understands, Lord Tang!"

Sikong Jin breathed a sigh of relief, letting the misty steam engulf her. Suddenly, she thought of Luoyang City. She wondered how things were there. There was still no news from Feng Xinian. And what was the situation at Xingyun Pavilion?

"By the way, Ajin, when will the Emperor summon you to the palace for an audience? What position does he plan to assign you? I estimate that you probably won't be able to return to Malan City for the time being. The Ninth Princess's matter is very troublesome, and you must make a decisive decision. Why don't you find a suitable time to visit Lord Xingqi Tian at the Duan Prince's Mansion, and then go to the palace to discuss your marriage with the Ninth Princess? You need to do it as soon as possible, as the Emperor's birthday is just around the corner."

Upon hearing this, Sikong Jin couldn't help but smile bitterly. Was she, a woman, really going to marry that so-called fiancée?

If her identity is exposed, she will fall into an abyss of no return!

She must first strengthen her own wings!

"Let me think about it first. With my current abilities, if the Emperor really has the will, I can't possibly stand against imperial power. I need an opportunity."

"Wu Ge and I are just reminding you that with Sikong Rui and others in the Sikong family, the Sikong family head will definitely hold back on you, so he will not fully support your marriage to the Ninth Princess. You must get the full support of Lord Xing Qitian. As long as you win him over and enter the Zhongzhou Society, this matter will be easy to handle!"

Tang Jingyao was also somewhat worried, his tone filled with concern, "Liu Zhang is now the deputy head of the Military Intelligence Bureau. He's Prince Lie's man. If the Emperor really intends to use you as a pawn, then he's very likely to be your superior. In that case..."

"Oh my, this rose essential oil is really nice, it smells so good! Tangtang, remember to give the rouge to Zixi when we get back, just say it's a gift from me."

Lord Sikong, somewhat disinterested, changed the subject.

"A Jin!"

Tang Jingyao frowned and called out to Sikong Jin with some displeasure.

"Don't worry, I brought you gifts this time too. Jiji, haven't you always coveted the swords of the high-ranking generals of the Liao Dynasty? I just happened to get Wu Jing's this time. Goodness, that's a fine sword! I'll have someone deliver it to your residence later! I won't charge you much, two thousand taels is cheap enough, right? Tangtang, you got one too..."

"Sikong Jin! Don't you know that confiscated items must be handed over?"

"One thousand taels!"

"Sikong Jin, write a report and submit it to the judicial department later!"

"Damn it, you guys are something else! Fine, I won't take your money? You guys are exploiting me like this, sometimes I really wonder if we're really true friends or brothers?"

"Our relationship with you is purely that of superior and subordinate!"

"Bullshit! You come to my restaurant every day to eat and drink for free, why don't you just say that you and I have a purely superior-subordinate relationship?"

……

It was already nearing evening when Tang Jingyao hurriedly left because he was thinking of his beloved wife Lan Zixi at home. Ji Wuge also left shortly after, having accepted an invitation to a banquet from a high-ranking official in the court. Only Sikong Jin remained, leisurely soaking in the tea. A pot of fragrant chrysanthemum tea was brewing on the tea table by the shore, and the gentle and soothing sound of a zither drifted in the air, making it a truly enjoyable experience.

She wrung out a warm towel and covered her face, comfortably closing her eyes to rest. As it was already night, fewer and fewer people were soaking in the hot spring, and the area around her quickly quieted down. Amidst the beautiful music, Sikong Jin drifted off to sleep; she hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time.

'Splash!' In the silent space, a soft splashing sound suddenly came. Sikong Jin almost instantly pulled off the towel on her face, her whole body tensed up and she immediately went into a state of alert. Her eyes quickly swept across the area, and a dark, shiny thing on the shore in front of her immediately caught her eye. She looked closely and saw—"Purple-Eyed Divine Sable!"

Sikong Jin almost cried out in surprise, her delicate face filled with astonishment.

This little thing is here, could it be that its owner is here too?

Thinking of this, Sikong Jin looked around, then his gaze returned to the little beast in front of him. At this moment, the sable was also looking at Sikong Jin, its purple eyes filled with vigilance and a faint, flickering spark. One of its paws was dipping into the pool and stirring the water. The misty fog slowly spread, creating an ethereal and hazy atmosphere, but those two gazes made Lord Sikong feel extremely sharp.

The sable's purple eyes, gleaming with firelight, glanced at Lord Sikong. With a flick of its beautiful tail and a strange flash in its purple pupils, it tossed its paws, sending water splashing towards Sikong Jin. Sikong Jin shrugged and gave it a disdainful look.

Lord Mink narrowed his eyes, and suddenly his figure flashed, a black arc passing before Lord Sikong's eyes—with a 'plop', Lord Sikong looked down and found that the bamboo basket containing his outer robe beside him had been knocked into the water by the little beast…

Lord Sikong's eyes widened. To avoid trouble, he had soaked himself in his undergarments, leaving only his outer robe...

"Awooo! Awooo!" Having finally seen Lord Sikong's face darken, Lord Diao grinned wildly, giving him a provocative look. Lord Sikong's face immediately turned green, his eyes blazing with fury. He suddenly channeled his inner energy into his palm, slashing horizontally at the black afterimage, his chilling tone burning with terrifying violent intent—"You wretched thing, die!"